AlphaTecRacing Dashboard GT3 – Review

AlphaTecRacing Dashboard GT3 – Review

The Dashboard GT3 is the GT version of the Dashboard Formula from German manufacturer AlphaTecRacing, which we tested last year. It is equipped with a 5-inch display and a total of 34 RGB LEDs and offers full SimHub compatibility.

Order and Shipping

Like most manufacturers currently, AlphaTecRacing sells the Dashboard GT3 both through its own online shop and through various distributors. Shipping is handled from Germany. There are no additional shipping costs within Germany.

• AlphaTecRacing Dashboard GT3: 399€

The product tested here was provided by the manufacturer. No influence was exerted on this review at any time.

Scope of Delivery

As is typical for AlphaTecRacing, the scope of delivery stands out primarily due to its very appealing presentation in stylish packaging. Included, in addition to the dashboard itself and an approximately two-meter-long, angled USB-A to USB-C cable, are a universally applicable mount, screws, and optional spacer sleeves.

• Dashboard GT3
• Mount
• Screws for mounting
• 2m angled USB-C cable
• Quick-start guide

Screen

The most important component of the dashboard is the 5-inch screen with a resolution of 854 x 480 pixels and a maximum brightness of 350 lumens. It uses a VoCore display in the MPRO variant, which supports a refresh rate of 60 frames per second and partial drawing (only the changing parts of the dashboard are updated). The screen is fully SimHub-compatible and requires neither an HDMI connection nor an additional power supply. Additionally, it features an integrated touchscreen, which allows, for example, switching between different designs.

• 5-inch touchscreen display
• Resolution: 854 x 480 px
• Color depth: 16-bit
• Brightness: 350 lm

RGB-LEDs:

The AlphaTecRacing Dashboard GT3 features a screen framed by 34 RGB LEDs. These are distributed as follows:

• Left: 9 small LEDs + 3 large LEDs
• Center: 10 large LEDs
• Right: 9 small LEDs + 3 large LEDs

The large LEDs, in particular, are very evenly illuminated and clearly separated from each other thanks to a semi-transparent diffusion layer. The smaller LEDs at the lower side edge are a bit different. The slightly offset LEDs bleed into their neighboring LEDs at high brightness settings, which means they are not as clearly distinguished from one another. In practice, this is hardly noticeable, but it could have been executed a bit more precisely.

Via SimHub, the LEDs can be fully customized, both in terms of brightness and the selection of colors and functions.

Material and Workmanship

One area where the Dashboard GT3 clearly stands out from most competitors is in its material selection and workmanship. Instead of relying on a plastic housing like many competitors, only aluminum is used here. The VoCore screen and RGB LEDs are very cleanly integrated. Thanks to the very slim design (17.5 millimeters thick), the distance to the steering wheel or monitor can be minimized.

The same applies to the included mount, which is also made of aluminum.

Compatibility, Mounting, and Connections

The dashboard is intended exclusively for use with a PC. To put it into operation, it is sufficient to plug the included USB-C cable into either the back or the left side of the dashboard (Note: The cable should be connected directly to the motherboard. Additionally, the dashboard is relatively picky about USB cables from third-party manufacturers). For proper positioning, the dashboard comes with a universal, height-adjustable mount that is compatible with many current wheelbases:

• Fanatec
• Simucube 1/ 2 (Sport, Pro, Ultimate)
• VRS Direct Force Pro
• Mige & Lenze Motoren
• Simagic (nicht alle Versionen)
• Asetec Simsports
• Moza Racing (nicht alle Versionen)

For the test, the dashboard was mounted on a MOZA R12 V2 wheelbase, which is one of the few unsupported wheelbases. A quickly self-designed mount was used here, which you can download here: http://simracing-pc.de/download/alphatecracing/dashboard_gt3/mount.3mf

A practical feature is the on/off switch integrated into the back. It allows the user to completely turn off the dashboard independently of the software.

Software

The popular SimHub software is used for operation. AlphaTecRacing is an official partner, allowing the Dashboard GT3 to be easily added as a new device with a pre-configured setup, requiring no further adjustments. Users can then choose from existing dashboard designs or download additional ones (Recommendation: Lovely Dashboard). Unfortunately, the project for a dedicated AlphaTecRacing dashboard, which included suitable designs for most simulations, has been discontinued and is no longer available for download.

A profile for the RGB LEDs is included, which outputs the most important effects without requiring additional settings.

• RPM-LEDs
• Flags & Spotter
  • Green, yellow, blue flag
  • Car left, car right
• Car info
  • ABS active
  • TC active
  • Flash
  • DRS
• Car iginition
• Fuel & Pit warning
• Pitlane effects
  • Pitspeed indicator
  • Speed limiter

The setup process is overall relatively simple. However, new users could benefit from more guidance when selecting the appropriate dashboard design.

Conclusion

The AlphaTecRacing Dashboard GT3 is an absolute high-end product for enthusiasts willing to pay the corresponding price for a dashboard made in Germany, distinguished by high-quality materials and excellent workmanship. With 34 fully customizable RGB LEDs, two USB-C ports, and an included universal mount, the dashboard offers several features that set it apart from competitors. However, at a price of around €400, it is definitely not a bargain. Nevertheless, it is undoubtedly worth recommending—especially for absolute enthusiasts of high-end hardware.